### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **pólis**, represented by `{{G4172}}`, is a term for a **city** or town, properly one with walls. It appears **164 times** across **155 unique verses**, indicating its importance in describing both earthly locations and spiritual concepts. The word encapsulates ideas of community, dwelling, and organized society.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In biblical narratives, `{{G4172}}` is used to identify key geographical and spiritual locations. It refers to specific places such as Bethlehem, the **city** of David where the Saviour was born ([[Luke 2:4]], [[Luke 2:11]]), and Jerusalem, where the disciples were to wait for power from on high [[Luke 24:49]]. The word also describes the centers of commerce and ministry, like Thyatira, home of Lydia [[Acts 16:14]], and Tarsus, Paul's birthplace [[Acts 22:3]]. Metaphorically, believers are described as a **city** set on a hill that cannot be hidden [[Matthew 5:14]]. Conversely, cities can also represent centers of opposition and judgment, as seen with Sodom and Gomorrah [[Jude 1:7]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide a broader context for community and dwelling:
* `{{G2968}}` **kṓmē** (town, village): This term often appears alongside `{{G4172}}` to describe the scope of Jesus' ministry through all the **cities** and villages [[Matthew 9:35]].
* `{{G1218}}` **dēmos** (the public): This word refers to the people within a **city**. In Acts, an uproar in the **city** was brought before the people [[Acts 17:5]].
* `{{G2047}}` **erēmía** (desert, wilderness): This provides a stark contrast to a populated **city**. Paul speaks of facing perils both in the **city** and in the wilderness [[2 Corinthians 11:26]].
* `{{G1484}}` **éthnos** (nation, people): This term for a race or nation describes a larger group of which a **city** is a part. Revelation speaks of the fall of the **cities** of the nations [[Revelation 16:19]].
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{G4172}}` is profound, representing both divine destiny and human structures under judgment.
* **The Heavenly City:** Scripture describes a future hope as a **city** prepared by God for the faithful [[Hebrews 11:16]]. This is the heavenly Jerusalem, the **city** of the living God [[Hebrews 12:22]], whose builder and maker is God himself [[Hebrews 11:10]].
* **The New Jerusalem:** This holy **city** comes down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride [[Revelation 21:2]]. It is the beloved **city** [[Revelation 20:9]], and overcomers are promised to have the name of this new **city** written on them [[Revelation 3:12]].
* **Symbol of Judgment:** Earthly cities can represent organized rebellion against God. The "great **city**" is spiritually called Sodom and Egypt [[Revelation 11:8]], and Babylon is the "mighty **city**" destined for destruction [[Revelation 18:10]]. The cities of Sodom and Gomorrah serve as an example of eternal fire [[Jude 1:7]].
* **Principle of Unity:** Jesus teaches that a **city** divided against itself cannot stand, a principle that applies to any community or kingdom [[Matthew 12:25]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G4172}}` **pólis** denotes more than just a populated area. While it refers to physical towns and centers of human activity, it also serves as a powerful biblical symbol. It represents both the ultimate hope of the believer—the eternal, heavenly **city** built by God—and the earthly systems of humanity that are subject to division and divine judgment.
TRV